Anchorage hospital trims 60 jobs

About 30 employees chose to leave their jobs and receive severance packages, which include a cash payment and the option to continue health insurance coverage, said Ed Lamb, the hospital's chief executive officer.

Another 30 either had their hours cut, are considering accepting severance packages, or are applying for other open positions at the hospital, Lamb said.

The hospital had about 915 workers before Thursday's changes.

It had expected more patients so far this year, Lamb said. To remain efficient, administrators had to eliminate and change positions. Many affected jobs were administrative or support positions. Few provided bedside care, he said. None were doctors, because physicians aren't considered hospital employees.

"We have not decreased our level of service or our number of beds in the hospital at all," Lamb said. Alaska Regional is licensed to hold 254 beds.